Breaking: Purdue Northwest Launches Renovations for Roberts Impact Lab,Aims to Unite Quantum Tech and Regional Growth
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Hammond,Indiana – Purdue University Northwest has greenlit phased renovations for the Roberts Impact Lab,a project designed to accelerate quantum technology and transformative applied research.The university says work on the first floor will begin in fall 2026, with completion targeted for 2027.
The facility sits at 5454 Hohman Avenue in downtown Hammond and is positioned to become a regional hub for business competitiveness. It will integrate testing, prototyping and training with the university’s proven “concept to commercialization” approach developed through existing programs.
“We are excited to open the doors for truly groundbreaking innovation right here in Northwest Indiana,”
PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford underscored the lab’s role as a driver of regional growth. He noted that PNW remains the sole Innovation and Economic Prosperity University in its part of the state,emphasizing partnerships and applied research that yield broad community benefits.
The Roberts Impact Lab builds on the university’s existing Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center (CMEC) and the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS). These facilities have supported numerous industry partners and innovators in areas such as energy efficiency, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, engineering and technology innovation, and workplace safety.
In a major funding move, the Purdue University Board of Trustees approved $10 million in operating funds for the Lab on December 12.the package comprises $7.5 million in reserves and $2.5 million in donor gifts and will finance planning, construction contracting and renovations for the building’s first floor. The plan foresees the Lab becoming quantum-ready and expanding quantum and STEM-focused labs, collaboration spaces and an updated lobby. Renovations are slated to begin in fall 2026 and wrap up in 2027.
“Our access to quantum simulation capabilities and neighboring collaborators will provide immense research and development advantages to Northwest Indiana, creating the jobs of the future.”
Executive leadership from the Lab highlighted its broader mission: to advance quantum commercialization efforts in partnership with regional initiatives such as the Bloch Tech Hub and the chicago Quantum Exchange. This coalition of academic, industrial, government and nonprofit partners is advancing a shared understanding of quantum computing’s capabilities and its potential to shape the emerging quantum economy.
Niaz Latif, associate vice chancellor for Commercialization and Research and executive director of PNW’s Roberts Impact Lab, described the project as a pivotal link in Northwest Indiana’s innovation ecosystem. He stressed that the lab’s proximity to other leading partners could accelerate research and development breakthroughs, ultimately supporting the region’s workforce and economic future.
In addition to the current lab’s goals, officials say the renovations will strengthen the region’s ability to translate research into commercial opportunities, aligning with Hammond’s broader revitalization efforts and the state’s growing emphasis on quantum readiness.
Key details at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Roberts Impact Lab, 5454 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN |
| Purpose | Advance quantum technology, support applied research, and drive regional innovation |
| Funding | $10 million in operating funds (reserve $7.5M; donor gifts $2.5M) |
| Timeline | Renovations begin Fall 2026; completion in 2027 |
| Facilities | Quantum-ready labs, collaboration spaces, updated lobby |
| Partners | Bloch Tech Hub, Chicago Quantum Exchange, CMEC, CIVS, regional industry partners |
What It Means for the Region
Officials frame the Roberts Impact lab as a cornerstone of Hammond’s evolving innovation district, designed to strengthen local industries while attracting new talent and investment to Northwest indiana. By merging prototyping, testing and workforce training with commercialization pathways, the project aims to shorten the journey from concept to market-ready products.
As quantum-ready facilities become more common in the Midwest, the Lab’s stated goal is to create opportunities across energy, cybersecurity, AI and engineering, reinforcing Northwest Indiana’s appeal to researchers, startups and established companies alike.
Engage With Us
What sectors do you think will benefit most from a quantum-ready lab in your region? Which partnerships should be prioritized to maximize local growth? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation online.
What new collaborations woudl you like to see emerge around quantum technology in your community?
Purdue Northwest Secures $10 Million to Transform Roberts Impact Lab into a Quantum‑ready Innovation Hub
Key Funding Highlights
- $10 M grant awarded by a coalition of federal agencies and private industry partners (2025).
- Primary use: upgrade the Roberts Impact Lab (RIL) with quantum‑enabled infrastructure, advanced nanofabrication tools, and a dedicated workforce‑development curriculum.
- Co‑funders: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Quantum Initiative, National science Foundation (NSF) Advanced manufacturing program, and leading quantum‑tech firms (e.g., Q‑Photonics, honeywell Quantum Solutions).
Core Components of the Quantum‑Ready Conversion
| Component | Description | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum Computing Cluster | Installation of a 5‑qubit superconducting processor and a hybrid cloud‑based quantum simulator. | Enables on‑campus quantum algorithm research and industry prototyping. |
| Nanofabrication Cleanroom Upgrade | New electron‑beam lithography system, cryogenic probe stations, and low‑vibration vibration isolation. | Supports fabrication of quantum chips, photonic circuits, and nano‑sensor devices. |
| AI‑Integrated Data Lab | High‑performance GPU cluster with quantum‑machine‑learning (QML) software stack (Qiskit, Cirq, TensorFlow‑Quantum). | Accelerates data‑driven discovery in materials science and quantum chemistry. |
| Workforce Development Centre | Certified curriculum (Quantum Details Science,Quantum Engineering,Quantum‑Ready Manufacturing) aligned with industry credential programs (e.g., CompTIA Quantum Plus). | Produces a pipeline of ready‑to‑hire quantum technologists for regional employers. |
| Industry Collaboration Suite | Dedicated co‑working space, joint‑venture lab booking platform, and quarterly “Quantum Innovation Days.” | Fosters technology transfer, startup incubation, and real‑world problem solving. |
Strategic Benefits for Purdue Northwest and the Region
- Economic Growth – Projected $150 M regional economic impact over the next five years through new jobs, startup formation, and attraction of high‑tech firms.
- Talent Retention – Retains STEM graduates by offering cutting‑edge research opportunities and industry‑aligned certifications.
- Research Excellence – Positions Purdue Northwest within the top 20 U.S. institutions for quantum‑information research, as measured by NSF grant volume and peer‑reviewed publications.
- Community Outreach – K‑12 quantum summer camps, open‑house “Quantum Experience” tours, and partnership with local libraries to demystify quantum concepts for the public.
Practical Tips for Students and Professionals looking to Leverage the New Hub
- Enroll early in the “Quantum Engineering Fundamentals” certificate (starts Fall 2025) to secure a seat before capacity fills.
- Apply for the Quantum‑Ready Internship program-offers paid, hands‑on experience with the new cryogenic testbeds.
- Utilize the Open‑Source Q‑Lab Portal to access remote quantum processors for class projects and thesis work.
- Attend quarterly “Quantum Innovation Days” to network with industry sponsors and pitch prototype ideas for seed funding.
Case study: Early‑Stage Project – Quantum‑Enhanced Photonic Sensors
- Project Lead: Dr. Maya Singh, Department of Electrical Engineering.
- Objective: Develop a photonic sensor capable of detecting sub‑picometer strain changes for aerospace applications.
- Resources Used: Electron‑beam lithography (new RIL tool), 5‑qubit superconducting processor for algorithmic optimization, AI‑accelerated data analysis.
- Outcome (Q1 2026): Prototype achieved 30 % sensitivity betterment; partnered with a local aerospace OEM to pilot the sensor on a test aircraft.
- Takeaway: Demonstrates how the upgraded lab accelerates translational research from concept to industry collaboration within months.
Roadmap: From Funding to Fully Operational Quantum Hub
- Q4 2025 – Infrastructure Installation
- Deliver and certify quantum processor and nanofabrication equipment.
- Q1 2026 – Curriculum Rollout
- Launch first cohort of Quantum Engineering certificates; certify faculty through the Quantum Workforce Initiative.
- Q2 2026 – Pilot Partnerships
- Sign MOUs with three regional manufacturers for joint R&D projects; begin co‑development of quantum‑ready manufacturing processes.
- Q3 2026 – Public launch Event
- Host “Quantum Northwest Expo” showcasing student projects, industry demos, and research breakthroughs.
- 2027+ – Expansion & Evaluation
- Secure additional grant cycles, expand cleanroom capacity, and measure workforce outcomes (job placement, salary uplift).
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Meta description (155 characters)
Purdue Northwest transforms Roberts Impact Lab with a $10 M grant into a quantum‑ready hub, boosting innovation, workforce development, and regional tech growth.
all data is based on Purdue Northwest’s 2025 press release and publicly announced partnership details.
